Clam Chowder, Manhattan Style

Ingredients

36 live clams
3 ts basil
3 tb butter
1/2 ts thyme
3/4 lb pork
1 bay leaf
4 onions
3 garlic
4 tomatoes
1 tb soy sauce
2 1/2 c celery
1/2 qt liquid
1 1/2 c carrots water
3 ts parsley
4 potatoes

Instructions

Place clams in soup kettle, cover with water, and steam open. Remove clams from their shells, and mince fine; reserve. Strain clam liquid and reserve. Saute pork and onions in butter until onions are clear. Add tomatoes and simmer 5 minutes, stirring. Add celery, carrots, parsley, basil, thyme, bay leaf, garlic and soy sauce. Stir in correct amount of liquid (clam cooking water plus additional water, if needed); simmer, covered, 1 hour. Add potatoes and simmer 15 minutes. Add clams and simmer another 8 minutes. Adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately, with crackers. ----